Android 16 Beta 3 Enhances Multitasking with Minimizable Windows
Improved Desktop Windowing Experience
Android tablets are getting a major multitasking boost with the latest Android 16 Beta 3 update. A key improvement is the addition of a minimize button for apps running in desktop windowing mode. This addresses a significant limitation of the previous version, where closing a window also closed the app. Now, users can minimize windows while keeping apps running in the background, allowing for smoother and more efficient multitasking. For more on Android updates, see Android 16 Beta 3 Improves Battery Charging.
How it Works
With desktop windowing enabled, apps display a handle at the top for easy resizing and switching to windowed mode. The header bar in windowed mode now includes a minimize button alongside the existing maximize and close options. Minimized apps can be reopened from the taskbar, with a visual indicator showing their status. This streamlines the workflow for users working with multiple apps simultaneously. Check out Ulefone Armor 30 Pro: Rugged Smartphone with Dual Screens for a device that might benefit from this feature.
Additional Features and Future of Android
Other enhancements include improved picture-in-picture (PiP) integration with desktop windowing and the ability to drag Chrome tabs into separate windows. These updates bring Android closer to a true desktop experience. Google's ongoing development of "Desktop View" mode further emphasizes this direction. For insights into another operating system gaining traction, read HarmonyOS Overtakes iOS in China.
Key Improvements in Android 16 Beta 3:
- Minimize button for desktop windows
- Improved PiP mode integration
- Draggable Chrome tabs for separate windows